Karnataka – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has invited his deputy DK Shivakumar for a breakfast meeting on Saturday to discuss the escalating Karnataka CM leadership crisis that has gripped the state’s political landscape. The invitation comes after the Congress high command urged both senior leaders to hold discussions and resolve the ongoing dispute concerning the state’s top position.
Speaking on Friday, Siddaramaiah confirmed the breakfast meeting and stated that they would “discuss everything” during their conversation. The chief minister emphasized his commitment to following the directives of the party’s high command, signaling a willingness to find a resolution to the Karnataka CM leadership crisis that has dominated political discourse in recent weeks.
The Two-and-a-Half Year Promise at the Center of Dispute
The Karnataka CM leadership crisis stems from claims about a “secret deal” allegedly made when Congress came to power in Karnataka in 2023. Shivakumar’s supporters have been asserting that there was an agreement whereby Siddaramaiah would relinquish his position to his deputy after completing two-and-a-half years as chief minister. Since Siddaramaiah completed this tenure on November 20, pressure has mounted for him to honor this purported commitment.
Shivakumar made a cryptic reference to this promise earlier in the week, reigniting discussions about the Karnataka CM leadership crisis. The deputy chief minister’s remarks about a power-sharing arrangement anchored by Congress leadership have intensified speculation about the future of Karnataka’s political leadership.
Chief Minister’s Firm Stand on Full Term
In response to the growing Karnataka CM leadership crisis, Siddaramaiah posted on social media platform X that the “mandate given by the people of Karnataka is not a moment, but a responsibility that lasts five full years.” This statement made his position clear that he intends to serve as chief minister for the complete five-year term, challenging claims about any pre-agreed power-sharing arrangement.
However, on Friday, Siddaramaiah moderated his stance somewhat by emphasizing that he would “follow what the high command says.” He reiterated this commitment, stating he would maintain the same position both now and in the future. The chief minister also indicated his readiness to travel to Delhi if summoned by the party leadership to discuss the Karnataka CM leadership crisis.
Deputy CM’s Patient Approach and Historical References
DK Shivakumar, addressing the Karnataka CM leadership crisis, adopted a measured tone on Friday. Speaking at a function marking the golden jubilee of the Anganwadi programme, where he shared the stage with Siddaramaiah, the deputy chief minister stated, “I don’t want anything. I am not in a hurry. My party will make a decision.”
The Karnataka Congress president referenced historical party decisions to contextualize the current situation. He cited Sonia Gandhi’s two-decade tenure as Congress chief and her decision to decline the prime ministership despite being invited by President Abdul Kalam, instead suggesting Manmohan Singh for the role. By invoking this precedent, Shivakumar appeared to suggest that personal sacrifice for the party’s greater good has been a Congress tradition.
Parliament Session Adds Timeline Pressure
Both leaders indicated they would travel to Delhi, with the winter session of Parliament scheduled to begin on December 1. Shivakumar described Delhi as “our temple” and emphasized that Congress has a long history with the national capital always providing guidance. This timeline has added urgency to resolving the Karnataka CM leadership crisis before key parliamentary proceedings commence.
The deputy chief minister made it clear that any travel plans depend on formal invitations from party president or AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala. This procedural emphasis suggests both leaders are awaiting clear direction from the high command on how to navigate the Karnataka CM leadership crisis.
Party Leaders Express Confidence in Resolution
State minister Priyank Kharge weighed in on the Karnataka CM leadership crisis, expressing confidence that the Congress high command possesses the appropriate sense of timing to resolve the intensifying power tussle. He clarified that no official invitation for a Delhi meeting had been issued yet, and decisions would follow only after formal communication from the party leadership.
The minister emphasized that both the chief minister and deputy chief minister have committed to traveling to Delhi when invited, reinforcing the understanding that the Karnataka CM leadership crisis will ultimately be resolved through the party’s established decision-making channels.
The Path Forward
As the Karnataka CM leadership crisis continues to unfold, all eyes remain on the Congress high command for a final resolution. The breakfast meeting between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar represents a crucial step toward addressing the tensions, though the ultimate decision on Karnataka’s leadership structure rests with the party’s central leadership. Both leaders have publicly committed to accepting whatever decision the high command makes, setting the stage for a resolution that will shape Karnataka’s political future.
